3D models of neurodegeneration: implementation in drug discovery

A lack of in vitro models that robustly represent the complex cellular pathologies underlying neurodegeneration has resulted in a translational gap between in vitro and in vivo results, creating a bottleneck in the development of new therapeutics. In the past decade, new and complex 3D models of the brain have been pub-lished at an exponential rate. However, many novel 3D models of neurodegener-ation overlook the validation and throughput requirements for implementation in drug discovery. This therefore represents a knowledge gap that could hinder the translation of these models to drug discovery efforts. We review the recent prog-ress in the development of 3D models of neurodegeneration, examining model design benefits and validation techniques, and discuss opportunities and stan-dards for 3D models of neurodegeneration to be implemented in drug discovery and development.

Automated summary

The lack of robust in vitro models to represent complex cellular pathologies underlying neurodegeneration has created a translational gap and bottleneck in new therapeutics development. Recent progress in the development of 3D models of neurodegeneration is reviewed, discussing design benefits, validation techniques, and opportunities for implementation in drug discovery and development, as well as the need for standards.